1. Buddha Bar Beach Abu Dhabi
This outpost of the global ambience emporium has a privileged beachfront rendezvous in Saadiyat and it's all about beach chic. It features the brand's on-trend soundtrack, a luxurious lounge overlooking the shore and a menu that playfully dances between east and west. Buddha Bar Beach offers two seats for its Friday Nikkei brunch (from Dhs 325), an afternoon session and an evening session, both of which feature Latin rhythms and fiery Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
Buddha Bar Beach, The St Regis Sadiyaat Island, open Monday to Wednesday from 5pm to midnight, Thursday to Saturday from midday to midnight. Tel: (02) 498 8888, @buddhabarbeachabudhabi
2. Shala beach lounge
"Shala" is derived from Sanskrit - meaning "home", and this Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi venue offers exactly that to the capital's free-spirited wanderers. Here, sea views are paired with soft cushions emblazoned with macramé cotton tassels, ornamental feathers, a fireplace, soft linen banquets and natural wood finishes. The design of this Abu Dhabi beach bar taps into that same beach hut soul you'd expect to find in bohemian places like Tulum or the Ibiza town of Playa d'en Bossa. And with just a thin slide of rugged dune landscape between you and the rhythmic surf of the gulf, it makes an excellent claim for the best place for a sunset cocktail.
Shala Beach Lounge, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, 5pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday. Tel: (0)2 407 1234, @shalaabudhabi
3. Smoked pineapple
On the ultra-luxurious island of Zaya Nurai, all things Smokin' Pineapple transport you to the far-flung shores of Bali, Tulum or Thailand. At its centre is a thatched beach bar lined with wooden swings, leading to an infinity pool, hammocks and teepees where guests can relax and lie back to the sounds of a live DJ, sipping fruity cocktails and watching the sunset. To get there, you'll need to take a speedboat from the resort's visitor centre on Saadiyat Island.
Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, open 10am to 10pm daily. Tel: (0)2 506 6222, zayanuraiisland.com
4. Café Del Mar
Straight out of Ibiza's Baleric beat factory, Cafe Del Mar has landed on the waterfront next to the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. There's an infinity pool, a cheeky little man-made beach, a pool bar and an appropriately clattering soundtrack. Access is free for adjacent Hilton guests, for everyone else day passes are available for Dhs250 Monday to Friday (with Dhs150 back as F&B credit), at weekends it's Dhs350 (also with Dhs150 back as credit). We're told that brunch and ladies' night will be arriving shortly.
Yas Bay, Yas Island, 9am to 12pm weekdays, 9am to 1am weekends. Tel: 050 402 2283, @cafedelmarabudhabi
5. Raclettes
Although not technically a beach bar in Abu Dhabi, recently opened Raclette deserves a mention for its bohemian beach decor and beautiful setting on Mamsha Saadiyat. Raclette is a licensed venue, with a chic central bar, a perfect spot for after-beach sunsets and overlooking the shore. A beach brasserie with a bar, the menu includes breakfast French toast, steaming mussel casseroles and multi-level seafood towers.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, 9am to 12pm daily. Tel: (0)2 546 2277, @racletteuae
6. Nasma
For relaxing drinks and sunset grazing, Nasma is one of Abu Dhabi's best beach bars. Located on the Saadiyat Rotana waterfront, it offers stunning sea views and a laid-back vibe in a picturesque setting. Pull on a bean bag or hang out in one of the private cabanas and nibble on Latin bar bites, sip fruity cocktails or order a chicha, all served to the sound of chilled Caribbean rhythms.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island 2pm to 10.30pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 11pm Thursday to Saturday. Tel: (0)2 697 0000, rotana.com
7. Safina
Although you're probably coming to Saadiyat Beach Club for a day of sunbathing or sipping cocktails in a sumptuous cabana, its collection of restaurants and lounges is not to be missed. For beach bar ambience, head to Safina, where Mediterranean flavours are served in an airy indoor restaurant and on the rustic terrace, overlooking the pool and gardens beyond.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, 12pm to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm to 11pm Thursday to Saturday. Tel (0)2 656 3536, saadiyatbeachclub.ae